Quote:
Originally Posted by JBH001
They should sack Deans if he is unable to get the best out of his players or they have lost confidence in him. We will know better about that after this weekend - although a loss doesn't necessarily mean a lack of confidence/belief, rather the manner of the loss.
|
I tend to disagree that Deans' position as Australian coach is in question (irrespective if they lose to the All Blacks again this weekend) especially this close to the Rugby World Cup. I simply don't think its practical to appoint a new coach, with essentially the same mix of players available, and give him one year to develop a side to win the World Cup any better than Deans would. In my view anyway, the Wallabies don't look that bad at full strength and Deans surely can't be blamed for their early season crisis in the front row and injuries to game breakers like Ioane (who IMO is a definite starter for the Australians when fit). At least Deans has recognised the advantages of keeping the ball in hand with the recent change in law interpretations rather than kicking it away and using tactics that worked under previous interpretations (like the Springboks seemed to want to do), and they're applying pressure at the breakdown with key loose forwards and a dynamic openside flanker.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JBH001
Not sure about the selection of A.Faingaa at second five although I have never seen him play. Fair enough that Barnes had a quiet game last weekend, but I rate him, and think he would come good. It also means that other elements of tactical kicking, for example chip kicks and grubber kicks are not part of the plan for this weekend (I am assuming that he is a running and physical second five). I like the look of Beale at 15 though but O'Connor may not be the right selection for the wing - its a pity Ioane is injured, I reckon he and Beale would have formed a good combination.
|
I'm not overly confident in Anthony Faingaa at 12 either, though like I said I would with Cooper, I'm prepared to at least see what he has to offer at the highest level against class opposition before judging him on paper. I do rate Barnes though and thought he might be given another starting opportunity. Fully agree with your comment on O'Connor and with Rob Horne ruled out I thought Australia might've been keen to reshuffle their backline and play O'Connor at fullback and Cameron Shepherd or Lachie Turner (is he injured?) on the wing.